Sexual abuse of children: national associations of local and regional authorities to take part in a seminar in Belgrade

Local and regional authorities are on the frontline in the efforts to combat the sexual abuse of children. How can we share and develop practical initiatives at local and regional level to prevent this evil? This is the subject which will be discussed by national associations of local and regional authorities at a seminar to be held on 13 June 2017 by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in partnership with the City of Belgrade. It follows on from an initial seminar held in the Netherlands in 2015.

The aim is to take stock of the current situation in Europe and to examine the future perspectives of the Congress’ Pact of Towns and Regions to stop sexual violence against children. This tool, which was launched at the initiative of the Congress, provides a list of practical activities and policies that can be implemented with a view to developing child-friendly services, protecting children and preventing sexual violence within society.

The seminar will also focus on the specific situation of refugee children and minors and on the mechanisms for protecting children that can be put in place. In this connection the Congress is preparing a report entitled “Refugee children and minors in Europe: role and responsibilities for local and regional authorities”, which will be examined by the Current Affairs Committee in October 2017.

The meeting will be opened by Gabriele NEFF, Chair of the Current Affairs Committee, and Siniša MALI, Mayor of the City of Belgrade.

Meeting of the Current Affairs Committee of the Congress

This event will be followed on 14 May by the meeting of the Current Affairs Committee, whose agenda includes the conclusions of the seminar on the sexual abuse of children, the approval of the report on regional and minority languages in Europe, and the preparations for the 3rd Summit of the Alliance of European cities against violent extremism, which will be held in Barcelona on 14 November 2017.